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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Child maintenance

315 replies

anonforpost · 01/01/2022 18:45

I pay my x 570 PCM for child maintenance as per CMS calculator. AIBU to expect not to pay anything on top of the amount. I believe 570 should be enough to cover all expenses of my 2 year old child.

OP posts:
sst1234 · 01/01/2022 18:47

What’s the context. Are you being asked for more? And what reasoning have you been given?

MondeoFan · 01/01/2022 18:48

Has someone asked you for more on top?

Sirzy · 01/01/2022 18:49

I’m guessing this is going to be a reverse?

To be paying that You must be a pretty high earner. Legally you don’t have to pay more but morally is that the right thing?

Santahatesbraisedcabbage · 01/01/2022 18:49

Wow haven't had that all in and dc are now teens!!

Cheersto2022 · 01/01/2022 18:49

570 is a reasonable amount for a standard single child but it depends more on context

Hotyogahotchoc · 01/01/2022 18:49

That's the amount you're obligated to pay but does your ex need more? Are they struggling? Are you or can you afford more?

girlmom21 · 01/01/2022 18:49

Really discrete reverse Hmm

Internetio · 01/01/2022 18:50

The Cms calculator tells you the legal minimum level of child support you are liable to pay.

If you are morally happy that you are paying the bare minimum towards your child then you have your answer.

underneaththeash · 01/01/2022 18:50

It depends on lots of things, you should be paying for everything that your child needs during your contact time. So clothes, activities, toiletries etc.

You should also morally pay for half of childcare to allow your ex to work.

Hankunamatata · 01/01/2022 18:50

reverse?????

Starlightstarbright1 · 01/01/2022 18:51

I also thought reverse.

Hankunamatata · 01/01/2022 18:52

Though nearly £600 a month for one child under school age is a decent amount.

Aroundtheworldin80moves · 01/01/2022 18:52

That might not even cover half the nursery fees for a 2 year old.

Glittery5599 · 01/01/2022 18:53

570 for a 2 year old should cover most things,what are you expecting to pay on top of that? While you have them yes but other than that probably not at this age

Theunamedcat · 01/01/2022 18:54

Would just pay my childcare costs for a month 🤔

Getyourarseofffthequattro · 01/01/2022 18:55

@Aroundtheworldin80moves

That might not even cover half the nursery fees for a 2 year old.
Legally an nrp is not liable for childcare. Equally an rp can claim either uc towards childcare or tax free childcare.
Original poster
anonforpost · 01/01/2022 19:00

The context is I had a better job so I paid more (like 800) but didn't have time for anything and my x complained that I never had time for my child. Now I took a more flexible job to be able to have more time with my child but the salary is significantly lower. I have reduced my outgoings accordingly and I expect my x to do too. She doesn't agree.

OP posts:
girlmom21 · 01/01/2022 19:02

@anonforpost

The context is I had a better job so I paid more (like 800) but didn't have time for anything and my x complained that I never had time for my child. Now I took a more flexible job to be able to have more time with my child but the salary is significantly lower. I have reduced my outgoings accordingly and I expect my x to do too. She doesn't agree.
If you're doing more childcare (as in more overnights) you'll be expected to pay less as a minimum. Are you paying as much as you can afford or what the maintenance calculator is telling you?
Original poster
anonforpost · 01/01/2022 19:02

What is a reverse?

OP posts:
LethargicActress · 01/01/2022 19:04

That is plenty for one child, especially considering you are on,y responsible for half of the costs.

Your child will appreciate your time far more than excess money. Your ex sounds like a money grabber.

3mealsaday · 01/01/2022 19:06

Can she reduce her outgoings though?

Main bills will be rent/mortgage and childcare, neither of which are discretionary spending.

Where do you think she should cut down? Food, clothes, holidays? She's hardly likely to be living it up on UC.

girlmom21 · 01/01/2022 19:08

@3mealsaday

Can she reduce her outgoings though?

Main bills will be rent/mortgage and childcare, neither of which are discretionary spending.

Where do you think she should cut down? Food, clothes, holidays? She's hardly likely to be living it up on UC.

It's not his fault if he can't afford more though. Her bills are her problem. And who's saying she's on UC?
RedWingBoots · 01/01/2022 19:09

OP Child maintenance is the minimum you are legally obliged to pay for your child.

It is completely up to you whether you pay more. No one else at all.

Most fathers I know don't.

They are then divided into ones who pay directly for things like school uniform and extra curricular activities, and those who don't.

AnneLovesGilbert · 01/01/2022 19:11

It’s not to cover all costs. She’s expected to pay towards them as well.

It’s bad luck if she’s not happy isn’t it. It’s a proportion of your income and time with your child is very valuable to you and your child.

AnneLovesGilbert · 01/01/2022 19:12

@3mealsaday

Can she reduce her outgoings though?

Main bills will be rent/mortgage and childcare, neither of which are discretionary spending.

Where do you think she should cut down? Food, clothes, holidays? She's hardly likely to be living it up on UC.

What if he lost his job? She’d have to cope.